Thursday, June 30, 2016

We all know by now that Maybelline has released a boatload of new products for 2016, and I'm slowly working my way through everything I purchased a few weeks ago at my local Bed Bath & Beyond with an extended beauty department. So today I'd like to show you this new Strobing Stick, which I have been testing for a little over two weeks now. Let's do this!

WHAT IT ISFacestudio® Master Strobing Stick™ is an illuminating highlighting stick that adds targeted dimension to the face for the ultimate strobe effect. BENEFITSNow, targeted highlighting to add dimension. Discover the strobe effect! The creamy formula with micro-fine pearls combine to boost skin glow. The strobe effect creates the look of skin that appears radiant as if lit from within. Dermatologist tested. Allergy tested. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types. Suitable for sensitive skin. HOW TO USE/APPLYStep 1. To enhance cheeks – highlight top of cheekbones. Step 2. To accentuate features – spotlight center of face. Step 3. To brighten eye area – spotlight brow bone and inner corner.

There are two shades in this range (I purchased 100 Light Iridescent). The second shade is 200 Medium Nude Glow, which you can view on the Ulta site HERE.

This pic above was taken in low lighting, since I think it gives a more accurate representation of the shimmer you see when you look at this product. I was as little surprised that the stick itself is only about a half of an inch long when it's fully extended. I thought that there would be more product here, but you are getting 0.24 oz. For comparison, e.l.f. All Over Color Sticks are 0.14 oz. (almost half the size of the Maybelline), but those are of course $1 each while the Maybelline sticks are around $9.99 (or less depending on the retailer and if you catch them on sale). On the other end of the spectrum, a NARS Multiple is 0.5 oz (double the size of the Maybelline) and retails for $39. So all things considered, I think the value of the Maybelline stick is decent.

One swipe swatched, one swipe blended

I hope you can see in my swatch pic above that this highlighter is not a chunky glitterbomb. The finish is gorgeous--it creates a lovely sheen on the skin and I love the glow it gives to my cheekbones. The color is a sort of a cross between rose-gold and peach, and it's absolutely perfect for my NC20 skintone. The pigmentation is great on this one--one swipe on each cheekbone, a light swipe above each brow--that's all I need.

As for the texture, this stick is extremely easy to work with and it goes from a cream to sort of a powdery finish after blending. I was really hoping this wouldn't be one of those greasepaint-like sticks that never sets, and it's not. It does set, but you have plenty of time to blend (with fingers, brush or sponge) and sheer it out to your heart's content. Now, when I say it sets, I don't mean that it eventually becomes immovable. What I mean is that it goes from a cream to more of a powdery finish after you blend, so it doesn't just sit on the skin like a greasy balm. But this is not a long-wear, sticks-to-your-skin-like-glue type of product.

Which brings me to staying power. Let me tell you that I have been testing this product in very warm weather (it's been in the 90s and 100s here in San Diego) and that I have oily skin. So your results may vary depend on your environment and skin type. But for me, this product lasts on my face for about 3-4 hours before my oily skin eats it up. I have worn this product on top of BB/CC creams, long-wear liquid foundations, and also powder foundations. I have lightly dusted it with setting powder, and I have also not set it with powder at all. I have worn primer underneath, and no primer underneath. In all cases, I could not get this highlighter to last more than four hours on my oily skin. But the good news is that it looks pretty darned fabulous for those few hours. It doesn't get dull after blending, and it plays nicely on top of all of the foundations I have tested it with.

There is no fragrance to this product.

FINAL VERDICT: It looks gorgeous, it blends like a dream, and the pigmentation and sheen are beautiful. The only downside to this product, for me personally, is that it doesn't last more than four hours on my oily skin. But please do note that I have been testing this in 90-100 degree weather so your results may vary--especially if you live in a cooler climate and/or have normal or dry skin. I can't wholeheartedly recommend this one if you have oily skin and plan to wear it in hot weather, but I think it's one to consider if that's not the case. I will certainly revisit this product in the fall/winter and see if staying power improves.

The products featured in this post were purchased with personal funds. For more information, click here.

9 comments

I loved this too! It has the nicest finish of any drugstore highlighter and even some higher-end ones. I love how smooth and not chunky the shimmer is. On my dry skin it lasts a bit longer and I'm guessing once the weather is drier in the fall the staying power will improve even more. :)

Yay!! I'm so glad it's working for you, and that you also love how it looks, Jen! Thanks SO much for always taking the time to share the dry skin perspective. I had a feeling you'd have better staying power. I can't wait to see how we both like this come fall/winter. :)

Yes, I mentioned that exact product with the price and size comparison in my review! Keep in mind, like I mentioned in my review, that you're getting almost double the amount here vs the elf, and if you wait for a 40% off Maybelline sale and have a coupon or store rewards, that would be a fantastic value. IF these work for you. :)

I adore this color and the way it looks on, but I'll be the first to agree, $10 is a lot of money for such little product. You think you're getting a full stick, like those they foundation solid sticks are, but nope, its such a little amount! Sure, I'm not using it the same was as foundation, but for the same price I expect a little more product than this!